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2011 No. 2
White logo is below
John Judds, CEO
Kevin Steele, President
JUDDS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
There’s not much this longtime Lincoln, Neb.,
contracting firm can’t doSee article inside . . .
JUDDS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
There’s not much this longtime Lincoln, Neb.,
contracting firm can’t doSee article inside . . .
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Phil McCoy
A MESSAGE FROMTHE PRESIDENT
Dear Valued Customer:
As we wind up this year, we’re looking ahead to 2012 with
optimism that the construction industry will begin a strong push
toward growth. There have been some positive signs lately that show
the industry is experiencing growth. As it does, that’s going to
mean more need for equipment that can get the job done as
efficiently as possible.
Throughout this year, Komatsu has rolled out many of its new
interim Tier 4 machines. In this issue of The RoadBuilders' Edge,
we spotlight a new excavator, articulated truck and dozer. Komatsu
not only changed the engines in these machines to meet emissions
standards, but, in many cases, lowered fuel consumption while
increasing horsepower and operating weight.
These machines have additional components that require
maintenance, and Komatsu is backing up the technology with an
industry first — its Komatsu CARE Maintenance Program that provides
complimentary services on new interim Tier 4 machines for three
years or 2,000 hours.
Our skilled, factory-trained, service personnel take great pride
in ensuring your machinery remains productive with as little
downtime as possible. We do that on Komatsu machinery and the other
manufacturers’ lines we carry, as well as competitors’ machines.
This might be a good time to think about winterizing machinery, if
you haven’t done so already.
If you’d like more information about any products or services we
offer, please don’t hesitate to call us or stop by one of our
branches. We’re here to help.
Sincerely, ROADBUILDERS MACHINERY AND SUPPLY CO., INC.
Phil McCoy President
We’re optimistic about the future
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White logo is below
THE PRODUCTS PLUS THE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU!
CORPORATEPhil McCoy, PresidentGerry Buser, Senior Vice
President/COOBryan McCoy, Vice President
Vince McBride, Operations Manager
David Mehrtens, Used Equipment Manager
Nicole Argard, Secretary/Treasurer
KANSAS CITYMike Hink, Parts Manager
Joe Drummond, Service Manager
Brian Burkert, Rental Manager
Mary Smith, Product Support Representative
J.D. Carson, Product Support Representative
OMAHADoug Murray, Nebraska General Manager
Chuck Walters, Nebraska Inside Sales
Bob Williby, Credit Manager
Pat Bivens, Service Manager
Ted Christensen, Parts Manager
Al Hoggatt, Product Support Representative
Don Willmer, Product Support Representative
LINCOLNJim Lock, Parts Manager
Scott Kilpatrick, Service Manager
GRAND ISLANDCraig Beck, Parts Manager
Clayton Brooks, Service Manager
INDUSTRIALMACHINING(A Division of RoadBuilders)
MIDWEST EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY(A Division of RoadBuilders)Ryan
Sutherland, General Manager
IN THIS ISSUE
Printed in U.S.A. © 2011 Construction Publications, Inc.
Published by Construction Publications, Inc. for
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS1001 S. 7th Street Trafficway
(913) 371-3822 • FAX: (913) 371-3870
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA4949 Juergen Rd.
(308) 384-2620 • FAX: (308) 384-0686
OMAHA, NEBRASKA4115 S. 90th St.
(402) 331-9200 • FAX: (402) 339-6620
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA5601 Fletcher Ave.
(402) 325-0447 • FAX: (402) 325-0753
MARYSVILLE, KANSASA N D O L L
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CZ trailers
RoadBuilders Machinery and Supply Co., Inc. proudly represents
these lines:
A publication for and about customers of RoadBuilders Machinery
and Supply Co.
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI1480 S. State Hwy. T
(417) 732-5505 • FAX: (417) 735-0026
I N T E R N A T I O N A LI N T E R N A T I O N A L
I N T E R N A T I O N A LI N T E R N A T I O N A L
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go to www.RoadBuildersEDGE.com
JUDDS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION There’s not much this longtime
Lincoln, Neb., contracting firm can’t do. Read more about the major
projects it takes on.
GUEST OPINION See what the AED has to say about transportation
funding.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Here’s an overview of the current funding
situation for surface and air transportation and a look at
potential funding sources.
NEW PRODUCTS Check out the features and benefits the new Komatsu
PC360LC-10 excavator offers, including more efficient
excavation.
Find out how Komatsu made its new interim Tier 4 HM300-3
articulated haul truck more productive with a larger payload
capacity and reduced emissions.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT Lower emissions and less fuel consumption
are just two of the features of Komatsu’s new D155AX-7 dozer that
make this interim Tier 4 model more efficient than its
predecessor.
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S Since its founding almost 50 years ago, Judds Brothers
Construction has grown to become one of the leading full-service
construction firms in eastern Nebraska. Based in Lincoln, Judds
Brothers offers a wide range of services, including construction
management, general contracting, concrete work, steel erection and
railroad construction. In recent years, its focus has trended more
toward site work and utility construction. Large-diameter pipe
installation is a specialty. The company also builds overflow
structures, pump stations and treatment plants.
“The fact that we offer such a wide range of services means
we’re able to bid many types of jobs,” said President Kevin Steele.
“Recently, a large percentage of our work has been site, excavation
and utilities, but we still do railroad work, concrete and steel
erection, too. Our versatility as a company is a big plus because
it allows us to react to markets and go where the work is.”
“As a company, there’s not much we can’t do,” confirmed CEO John
Judds. “We’ll look at any
JUDDS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION There’s not much this longtime
Lincoln, Neb., contracting firm can’t do
job, but we tend to do larger, more complicated projects that
require a high level of expertise. That’s where we believe we
really shine.”
Judds Brothers currently employs about 50 to 55 people. The
company works primarily in central and eastern Nebraska, but also
travels throughout the Midwest for jobs.
“We’re large enough to do most of the big jobs that are out
there,” said Judds. “The key to our success is our people. We have
many employees who’ve been with us for decades. They bring a
tremendous amount of experience and expertise to our jobs. Our
employees are our most valued resource and we believe their skill,
conscientious attitude and dedication help set us apart from many
other companies.”
In addition to John Judds and Steele, the management team at
Judds Brothers includes John’s father Ray, who founded the company
and, at age 83, remains Owner and Chairman of the Board. Ray is
still involved in the business daily. Other key personnel include
CFO Jordan Dowdy, who handles accounting and financial activities,
and Secretary/Project Manager Jesse Walz, who oversees much of the
field work.
Big jobs Judds Brothers has had a hand in many large and
significant projects through the years. Among them, numerous
multimillion-dollar jobs for the City of Lincoln Water System and
the Metropolitan Utilities District (Omaha); a $6.5 million
contract to dismantle 150 Minuteman missile launch facilities at
Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City, Mo.; and significant
railroad improvement projects in Lincoln and Council Bluffs,
Iowa.
Recent or current large jobs include a mass excavation at the
Good Samaritan Hospital in
John Judds, CEO
Judds Brothers uses its Komatsu PC600LC-8 for big pipe jobs and
large site- work jobs, such as the new Haymarket Arena project in
downtown Lincoln, Neb.
A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMER
Kevin Steele, President
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Kearney, Neb.; a bridge over Antelope Creek on South Street in
Lincoln; and the initial site-prep package for the new Haymarket
Arena in Lincoln.
“They’re all very different jobs which represent the wide
variety of work we’re able to do,” said John Judds. “The Kearney
hospital job requires excavation and a tremendous amount of
shoring. The bridge job includes demolition and utility relocation
as well as building the bridge itself. And the Haymarket Arena
involved site work with a large amount of soil remediation.”
The Haymarket is an area near downtown Lincoln that was selected
by the city and the University of Nebraska as the site for a new
multipurpose arena, which will house Husker basketball as well as
other events.
“The Haymarket area was previously owned by the railroad,”
explained Project Manager Jesse Walz. “It was run-down, and the
soil was contaminated by petroleum. We excavated and hauled away
all the old material that was not suitable to build on. Then we
brought in new fill material and recompacted it. In total, it was
about 200,000 yards of material. We also had to relocate utilities,
including a 15-inch trunk sewer that was about 16 feet deep.
“It was a tough job in that we had to meet time lines, yet the
railroad was holding us up. They had a great deal of flood damage
to deal with this year, in addition to this project,” he added. “In
the end, we were still able to get it done and turned over to the
builder a day before it was due.”
“We love to be involved in large, community-wide projects like
the Haymarket Arena,” said Judds. “Lincoln is our hometown. Much of
our staff consists of University of Nebraska-Lincoln construction
management Continued . . .
grads. As a company and as individuals, we’ve been here a long
time and we have a lot of civic pride. In years to come, it will be
fun for us to look back on this job.”
Reliable, longlasting Komatsu equipment To help Judds Brothers
complete jobs like the Haymarket Arena in a timely, efficient
manner, the company turns to RoadBuilders Machinery and Supply in
Lincoln for hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders.
“We’ve used Komatsu equipment for many years,” said Judds. “We
have a WA320 wheel loader that’s been a really good machine. With
all our utility work, excavators are often lead machines for us,
and we use Komatsu excavators almost exclusively.”
The company currently has four Komatsu excavators ranging from a
PC220LC-7 up to a PC600LC-8.
“We’ve found Komatsu excavators to be very solid machines,” said
Judds. “A big advantage is, they don’t nickel and dime us to death.
They’re
Operator Craig Wessel uses a Komatsu PC270LC-8 to trench and
place storm sewers at Judds Brothers’ Haymarket Arena job.
Jesse Walz, Project Manager
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still ran great. That machine was a rock star. Our first PC600
also had high hours on it when we replaced it. We were already fans
of Komatsu excavators but the longevity and reliability we got out
of those two machines are good examples of why we like Komatsu so
much.”
Judds Brothers also appreciates the support they get from
RoadBuilders Machinery and Supply.
“Our first dealing with RoadBuilders was in Kansas City, when we
used Komatsu excavators with attachments to help on our job
dismantling the missile silos,” Judds recalled. “Based on our
experience with them, we were pleased when they became the Komatsu
dealer in Nebraska about a decade ago. Our Sales Rep Dru Davidson
and everybody in the Lincoln and Omaha offices go out of their way
to provide the equipment and support we need to be successful.”
Optimistic about what’s ahead Like most construction companies,
Judds Brothers has been affected by the slow economy, but both
Steele and Judds are optimistic about the future.
“We expect the economy to continue to get better during the next
few years and as it does, we think we’re in position to grow right
along with it,” said Judds. “There are also some big jobs in the
area right now that we hope to participate in. For example, Omaha
is being required to separate its sanitary sewer from storm water
drainage. It’s called CSO! (Clean Solutions for Omaha!) and that
type of work is right up our alley, so we’re hopeful we’ll win one
of those bids soon. We have the people and the equipment to be very
competitive in that market.”
“At Judds Brothers, we try to be consistent,” noted Steele. “We
don’t chase everything and try to get too big too fast. We just
want to be known as one of the good guys, one of the quality
contractors that you turn to when you want the job done right.”
“That philosophy has served us well and earned us many repeat
customers,” added Judds. “As long as we continue to give our
customers quality, on-time work at a fair price, we believe we’ll
be able to continue to earn their good will, and continue to earn
their business in the years to come.” n
Versatility serves Judds Brothers well . . . continued
reliable. They work every day with very little downtime. They
also hold their value so we get a good trade-in when it’s time to
upgrade.
“We recently traded in an older-model PC400 for a new PC400LC-8
and I almost hated to do it,” he added. “The old one had 16,000
hours on it so it was definitely time for a change, but it
Superintendent A.J. Kendall (left) and Project Manager
Matt Thuman are at the South Street Bridge job in Lincoln.
As part of the South Street bridge job in Lincoln, Judds
Brothers had to replace an old sewer line that required
digging down 20 feet with a Komatsu PC400LC-8.
“We really like Komatsu excavators,” said CEO John Judds. “A big
advantage is,
they don’t nickel and dime us to death. They work every day
with very little downtime.”
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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS1001 S. 7th Street Trafficway(913)
371-3822FAX: (913) 371-3870
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA4949 Juergen Rd.(308) 384-2620FAX: (308)
384-0686
OMAHA, NEBRASKA4115 S. 90th St.(402) 331-9200FAX: (402)
339-6620
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA5601 Fletcher Avenue(402) 325-0447FAX: (402)
325-0753
Visit us on our Web site @ roadbuildersmachinery.com
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI1480 S. State Hwy. T(417) 732-5505FAX:
(417) 735-0026
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I In September, the Senate approved the Surface and Air
Transportation Extension Act of 2011 (H.R. 2887). The bill, which
the President signed, extends the surface transportation and
airport construction programs until March 31, 2012, and January 31,
2012, respectively. Had the programs lapsed, the Highway Trust Fund
would have lost $100 million per day in gas tax revenue and more
than 1.6 million jobs would have been at risk.
“AED applauds Congress for putting politics aside and moving
forward with extensions of federal transportation construction
programs,” said Associated
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Congress temporarily extends
transportation funding; a multi-year bill should be a priority
Equipment Distributors President Toby Mack. “This legislation
ensures that the hundreds of thousands of workers who build and
maintain our highways, bridges and airports can continue their
work, at least temporarily.”
Given the current political situation in Washington, this is an
important victory. House Republican leaders, who previously
advocated cutting the highway program, were willing to go along
with the deal, recognizing the massive job losses that would result
from funding cuts.
The bill effectively extends highway and FAA construction
programs at current spending levels. “While the extension is
welcome news, it falls short of giving the construction and
equipment industries the certainty essential to recovery and job
creation. By delaying action on a new multi-year highway bill,
Congress is putting off much-needed investment in the
infrastructure the U.S. economy needs to grow and flourish,” Mack
said.
As further evidence that the Hill is waking up to the need for
action on highway reauthorization, a memo on job creation by House
GOP leadership released in September cited infrastructure spending
as a possible area for bipartisan cooperation saying, “Congress and
the President should spend the next few months working out a
multi-year transportation authorization bill.” n
GUEST OPINION
Congress passed a bill that extends surface transportation and
airport construction funding through January 31, 2012. The
Associated Equipment Distributors believe a long-term bill is a
necessity.
This article is from the Associated Equipment Distributors, a
trade association representing companies in the distribution,
rental and support of equipment. Its members account for more than
$15 billion of annual sales of construction equipment and related
supplies and services in the U.S. and Canada.
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KANSAS CITY, KS(913) 371-3822
OMAHA, NE(402) 331-9200
GRAND ISLAND, NE(308) 384-2620
LINCOLN, NE(402) 325-0447
SPRINGFIELD, MO(417) 732-5505
www.roadbuildersmachinery.com
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C Congress passed and the President signed an act that provides
an extension of funding for surface and air transportation. It came
as welcome news to construction companies, their subcontractors and
suppliers who work in those sectors, but the reality is that they
can only breathe a sigh of relief for a short period of time.
The Surface and Air Transportation Extension Act of 2011 only
provides monies into the first quarter of next year — another
short-term mechanism for funding, much like what Congress has done
since the previous highway bill expired in September of 2009. That
means the fight for dollars to build the nation’s infrastructure
will be brought up again soon.
This comes at a time when numerous studies show America’s
highways, bridges, airports and other modes of transportation are
suffering from a serious lack of investment. An American Society of
Civil Engineers (ASCE) report shows that to bring the nation’s
surface transportation infrastructure up to tolerable
WHERE ARE WE HEADED? There’s a need for infrastructure
investment, but how to fund it remains in question
levels, about $1.7 trillion is needed between now and 2020.
Current funding levels fall short of that total by $846 billion or
$94 billion per year, according to the report.
The results of underfunding are stark, the report notes. It will
cost the economy 870,000 jobs and suppress growth of the country’s
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than $3 trillion by 2020. It
will also cost American households and businesses more than $129
billion in vehicle operation, delays, accidents and environmental
damage.
“Clearly, failing to invest in our roads, bridges and transit
systems has a dramatic, negative impact on America’s economy,” said
ASCE President Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E., F.ASCE. “The link between a
nation’s infrastructure and its economic competitiveness has always
been understood. But for the first time, we have data showing how
much failing to invest in our surface transportation system can
negatively impact job growth and family budgets. This report is a
wake-up call for policymakers because it shows that investing in
infrastructure contributes to creating jobs, while failing to do so
hurts main street America.”
According to a study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis,
inadequate infrastructure systems also contribute to health
problems. The analysis looked at health costs resulting from higher
emissions associated with road congestion. Results showed
traffic-related air pollution as a contributing factor to heart
attacks and strokes, with emissions from idle vehicles causing
nearly 4,000 premature deaths. It also costs the country in terms
of stature. A World Economic Forum report in 2007-2008 ranked our
nation’s infrastructure systems sixth best in the world. In a new
report released in September, the U.S. slipped to 16th.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
The nation’s transit systems, including roads and rail, are in
need of repair. One study shows $1.7 trillion is needed during the
next eight years to bring infrastructure up to tolerable
levels.
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A government report said America spends about 2 percent of GDP
on infrastructure, about half what it did 50 years ago and well
below other global leaders. Gas tax increase unlikely A recent
Market Watch article, “How to fix crumbling U.S. roads, rails and
airways,” pointed out that “Deficits in the U.S. trust funds that
support the country’s Interstate system and civil aviation have
been widening for years, as tax revenue failed to keep up with
inflation. To fill the gaps, Congress has been taking cash from the
general fund. “But tax revenue for the general budget has declined
as well because of the economic recession and the Bush-era tax
cuts, and now Congress is determined to eliminate the shortfall by
reducing spending across the board,” it continued. “For every $1
billion pulled from the U.S. budget for highways, an estimated
30,000 jobs are lost, according to a 2007 report from the
Department of Transportation.”
The ASCE report noted a modest investment would go a long way,
saying an amount “equal to about 60 percent of what Americans spend
on fast food each year, would: protect 1.1 million jobs, save
Americans 180 million hours in travel time each year, deliver an
average of $1,060 to each family and protect $10,000 in GDP for
every man, woman and child in the U.S.”
The gap in funding isn’t likely to decrease soon, and may widen
further. The national 18.4-percent gas and 24.4-percent diesel
per-gallon taxes haven’t been raised in nearly
two decades, and the recession has meant less driving, which in
turn means less fuel purchased. More fuel-efficient cars and new
standards to further improve fuel efficiency equate to even fewer
fill-ups.
Potential funding sources So where will the money come from to
repair and replace an ever-increasing deterioration of the nation’s
surface, air and other transit systems? Given the economic and
political climates, an increase in the gas tax isn’t likely any
time Continued . . .
Numerous roads and bridges have been
rated as structurally deficient or in need
of repair, causing our nations’s global
rank to fall from sixth to 16th in terms
of infrastructure systems.
Funding for surface and air transportation was extended into
next year, but long-term plans remain elusive.
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soon. Alternate funding methods have been discussed, but there
are no sure bets right now. Past research from a survey by the firm
HNTB showed Americans preferred tolling to increased gas taxes.
HNTB’s Pete Rahn said tolls will likely be a more prominent source
of future funding. The organization’s survey revealed most of the
nation supports highway tolls with 82 percent saying the rate
should be a dollar or less for every 10 miles on an Interstate.
Fifty-six percent of those said the rate should be less than 50
cents. Sixty-six percent of the people polled by the organization
said they would like their toll money to go toward relieving
congestion issues, with 41 percent saying they would support their
toll money going to road and bridge repair. Others said they would
like to see the money go toward dedicated truck lanes or adding
lanes to existing roads. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
— also known as the stimulus bill — that was passed in 2009 funded
some road construction project during the past two years. In a
speech before Congress in September, the President proposed
additional spending on infrastructure as a way to boost the
economy. One idea he mentioned was an “infrastructure bank” that
would provide loans or loan guarantees for transportation and other
projects. The idea has been brought up several times before,
including bills proposed by congressional
leaders. One put forth in the Senate would make the bank an
independent government entity with congressional oversight. The
proposal would give the bank a one-time appropriation of $10
billion that would lead to more than $600 billion in future
projects. The rest of the money would come from private investments
in the infrastructure bank. Investors could partner with local,
state and regional governments and propose a project to the bank,
which would determine its worthiness based on factors such as
public demand and support and the ability of the project to
generate revenue that would pay back investors. If deemed a worthy
project, the bank would loan up to 50 percent of the total cost,
making the bank another investor. Loans would be repaid through
revenue generated from the project, which may come from such
sources as dedicated state taxes, fees, tolls and passenger
tickets.
PPPs These “public-private partnerships” (PPPs) have already
worked together on some state-level projects. According to the
National Conference of State Legislatures, PPPs are agreements that
allow private companies to take on traditionally public roles in
infrastructure projects, while keeping the public sector ultimately
accountable for a project and the overall service to the public. A
government agency typically contracts with a private company to
renovate, build, operate, maintain, manage or finance.
“Though PPPs are not optimal for many transportation projects,
they have been shown to reduce up-front public costs through
accelerated or more efficient project delivery,” said the
organization. “PPPs don’t create new money but instead leverage
private-sector financial and other resources to develop
infrastructure.”
Not everyone agrees on how to pay for the infrastructure
investment, but most everyone agrees that something has to be
done.
“We can no longer ignore the growing liability our aging roads
present to U.S. economic competitiveness and the mobility of our
citizens,” said HNTB’s Rahn. “Americans are feeling the pain, every
day, as they commute and cross the nation’s highways and bridges.”
n
Various funding sources offer potential solutions. .
continued
Several funding sources have been proposed, including
public-private partnerships, which allow companies to pair with
government entities as investors in a project. Known as PPPs, they
have been used on state-level projects around the country.
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• Efficient Komatsu Tier 4 Interim engine and automatic shift
transmission with lockup torque converter maximize productivity
while saving fuel.PLUS (long life) undercarriage is standard,
further reducing our already low operating costs.Komatsu CARE
provides complimentary Tier 4 maintenance, including KDPF exchange
filters. Contact your Komatsu distributor for details.
••
Komatsu has once again made a great machine even better. The new
D65-17 increases productivity and operator comfort while lowering
operating costs. All designed to improve your bottom line.
D65-17 From Komatsu – The Dozer Experts
www.komatsuamerica.com
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From Komatsu - The Excavator Experts
Komatsu Dash 10 excavators provide increased horsepower,
improved operator comfort and reduced fuel consumption. The
excavator experts at Komatsu can help you complete jobs more
quickly, while lowering your fuel and maintenance costs.
• Efficient Komatsu Tier 4 Interim engines and advanced
hydraulic systems maximize productivity while providing up to 10%
lower fuel consumption.
• Enhanced operator environment improves comfort and machine
control.
• Komatsu CARE provides complimentary Tier 4 maintenance,
including KDPF exchange filters. Contact your Komatsu distributor
for details.
DASH 10 EXCAVATORS
www.komatsuamerica.com
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E
Efficiencyisthenameofthegamewhenitcomestomovingdirt.Now,anewplayerintheexcavationgame,Komatsu’sinterimTier4PC360LC-10excavator,hastakenthelead.UsingitsprovenTier3platform,Komatsuaddedfeaturestoprovidegreaterefficiencywithlowerfuelconsumption,improvedoperatorcomfortandenhancedserviceability,allofwhichmaximizeproductivitywhileloweringoperatingcosts.
InadditiontomeetinginterimTier4enginestandards,the257-horsepowerPC360LC-10usesanintegrateddesignwithKomatsu-exclusivehydraulicpumps,motorsandvalves.Thedesignhasaclosed-center,load-sensinghydraulicsystemthatusesvariablespeedmatchingtoadjustenginespeedbasedonthepumpoutput.Tomaketheexcavatorevenmoreefficient,Komatsuenhancedthehydraulicsystemtoreducehydrauliclossandfuelconsumption.
Komatsuloweredthefuelconsumptionwhileprovidingadditionalhorsepower(comparedtoitspredecessor,thePC350LC-8)withalarger-displacementenginethatfeaturesanadvanced,electroniccontrolsystemtomanageair-flowrate,fuelinjection,combustionparametersandaftertreatmentfunctions.AnintegratedKomatsuDieselParticulateFilter(KDPF)reducesemissionswithoutinterferingwithmachineperformance.
“Komatsu’smid-sizeexcavatorshavealwaysbeenconsideredthetopoftheirsizeclass,andthePC360LC-10fitsrightin,”saidProductManagerDougMorris.“Userswillfinditanexcellentdiggerforspecialitywork,suchastrenchandlargefoundations,aswellasforproductivebulkexcavation.Italsohasgoodpowertorunattachments,suchasdemolitiongrapplesorhammers.”
MORE POWER, LESS FUEL NewKomatsuPC360LC-10offers
moreefficientexcavation
NEW PRODUCTS
“Komatsu’s new PC360LC-10 excavator offers excellent digging
power for large trenches as well as bulk excavation,” said Product
Manager Doug Morris. “It also has good power to run attachments,
such as demolition grapples or hammers.”
Doug Morris,Product Manager
Brief Specs on PC360LC-10 Model Operating Weight Horsepower
Digging Depth
PC360LC-10 79,930 lbs. 257 hp 26 ft., 10 in.
Strong, comfortable cab
Anew,strong,ROPS-certifiedcabhasareinforcedpipe-structureframeworkwithviscousdampermountsforlowvibration.Ahigh-back,fullyadjustableseatusesairsuspensionandisheatedforimprovedcomfort.Anauxiliaryinputandtwo12-voltportsarestandard.
“Outsidethecab,thePC360LC-6hashandrailsthatsurroundtheupperstructureforeasyaccesstoservicepoints,”notedMorris.
“Wewantuserstogetmaximumproductionwithminimaldowntime.ThePC360LC-10deliversjustthat,”heconcluded.n
onlinevideo
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A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMER
W
WhenKomatsumadechangestoitsarticulateddumptruckstomeetinterimTier4regulations,ittooktheopportunitytoalsomakethetrucksmoreproductive.Caseinpoint,Komatsu’snewHM300-3.Theartictrucknowreducesemissionsandoffersincreasedcapacitycomparedtoitspredecessormodel.
Komatsualsoincreasedoperatingweight,whilemaintainingamaximumgroundspeedof36.4milesperhourinordertomovemorematerialinthesameamountoftime.“TheHM300-3hasalow,nine-foot,three-inchloadingheight,soitmatchesupwellwith30-tonto60-tonhydraulicexcavatorsandfive-yardtoseven-yardwheelloaders,”saidProductManagerRobWarden.“Inaddition,ithastwo,single-stage,
NEW ARTICULATED TRUCK Increasedloadcapacityamongmoreproductive
featuresofKomatsu’snewHM300-3truck
NEW PRODUCTS
Komatsu’s new interim Tier 4 HM300-3 articulated haul truck
provides greater load capacity and a new traction-control system
that automatically provides optimum traction when operating in soft
ground conditions.
Rob Warden, Product Manager
Model Operating Weight Load Capacity Ground Speed
HM300-3 116,823 lbs. 22.4 cu. yds. 36.4 mph
body-liftcylindersthatgiveita70-degreedumpangle.It’saveryefficientandproductivetruckthatfitswellintoload-and-carryapplications.”
TheHM300-3featuresanewKomatsuTractionControlSystem(KTCS)thatautomaticallyprovidesoptimumtractionwhenoperatinginsoftgroundconditions.TheHM300-3continuallymonitorsmachineperformanceanddetectschangesinmomentumduetosoftgroundconditions.Whenachangeinmomentumisdetected,theinter-axledifferentiallockappliesautomatically,activatingKTCS.KTCSmonitorstireslippagewithsensorslocatedonfourwheels.Ifslippageoccurs,thefourindependentbrakesautomaticallyapplyasnecessarytoregaintraction.
Inaddition,aKomatsuAdvancedTransmissionwithOptimumModulationControlSystem(K-ATOMiCS)offersasix-speed,fullyautomatictransmissionthatselectstheidealgearbasedonvehiclespeed,enginerpmandshiftposition.Itresultsinpowerfulacceleration,smoothdownshiftingandsynchronizedenginespeedwhenclimbingslopes.K-ATOMiCSalsohelpskeeptheloadinthebodyandincreasesproductivity.
AnewcabdesignontheHM300-3providesamorecomfortableandquietworkenvironment,includingaroundedfrontdashpanelwitheasy-to-reachswitches.Aredesigneddashboardandrelocated,air-rideseatimprovevisibility.Fromthenew,high-resolutionmonitor,theoperatorcanmodifysettings,suchasreversingthefansorselectingthestartinggear.
“Anewlydesignedenginehoodprovidesconvenientaccesstoservicepointsandimprovedforwardvisibility,”Wardenpointedout.“Ofcourse,ithasthesamestandardfeatures,suchasKOMTRAX,thatmakeitatrueKomatsumachine,soweknowuserswillfindtheHM300-3avaluableadditiontotheirfleets.”n
onlinevideo
onlinevideo
NEW!
Brief Specs on HM300-3 Artic Truck
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Komatsu CARE for Komatsu Tier 4 Interim models is a new,
complimentary maintenance program designed to lower your cost of
ownership and improve your bottom line. It provides
factory-scheduled maintenance on the machines for the first three
years or 2,000 hours, whichever comes first. This includes up to
two exchange Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filters. Be sure to contact
your Komatsu distributor for all the details.
Once again, Komatsu leads the industry. No other construction
equipment manufacturer offers a complimentary maintenance program
like this.
It’s what you’ve come to expect from the service experts at
Komatsu.
www.komatsuamerica.com
-
A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMER
O
Onitssurface,Komatsu’snewD155AX-7dozerismuchlikeitspredecessor:theoperatingweight,nethorsepowerandbladecapacityallremainthesame.However,manycomparisonsstopthereasthenewinterimTier4D155AX-7offersloweremissions,yetmaintainslowfuelconsumptionforreducedper-yardcosts.
Coupledwithahighlyefficient,automatictransmission,thenewinterimTier4engineusesadvancedelectroniccontroltomanageair-flowrate,fuelinjection,combustionparametersandaftertreatmentfunctionforoptimalperformance.Theautomaticgearshifttransmissionandlock-uptorqueconvertertransferenginepowerdirectlytothetransmission,providinga10-percentdecreaseinfuelconsumptioncomparedtoconventionalmodels.TheD155AX-7usesamuchlargercoolingpackage
NEW D155AX-7 DOZER InterimTier4modelbuildsonalreadyproductive
featuresforgreaterefficiency
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT
Komatsu’s new D155AX-7 dozer features an automatic blade-pitch
function that increases operating efficiency and reduces operator
effort. The new dozer is interim Tier 4 compliant and maintains the
same low fuel consumption as the D155AX-6.
Bruce Boebel, Product Manager
withimprovedairflowtokeeptheenginerunningcoolinharshworkingconditions.
“Eveninthetoughestworkingconditions,theD155remainsefficientandproductive,”saidProductManagerBruceBoebel.“ItmeetsalltheinterimTier4standardsforreducedemissions,withoutsacrificingtheexcellentpowerpreviousD155modelshavebecomeknownforindozingandrippingapplicationswheremassquantitiesofmaterialareinvolved.”
Tofittheapplicationathand,operatorscanchoosefromautomaticormanualgearshiftmodes:automaticforgeneraldozingandmanualfordozingandrippinginroughground.Theautomaticgearshifttransmissionshiftstotheoptimalgearrangebasedonworkingconditionsandload.
Auto blade pitch, ripper controls
EquippedwithKomatsu’suniqueSIGMAdozerblade,theD155AX-7hasacapacityof12.3cubicyards.Whilethat’sthesameasthepreviousmodel,Komatsuincorporatedanew,automatic,blade-pitchfunctionthatreducesoperatoreffortandincreasesefficiency.Withtheflipofaswitch,itsetsblade-pitchpositionbetweendigginganddumppositionswithnoadditionallevermovements.Operatorscansettheblade-pitchcontrolthroughtheseven-inchHDmonitortoautomaticallyreturntothediggingpositionwhentheyselectreverse.
“Anewripper-controlleverismoreergonomicforincreasedoperatorcomfort,”saidBoebel.“LikeourotherinterimTier4machines,wedidn’tstopwithjustputtinginanewengine.Komatsuworkedwithcustomerstoidentifyfeaturesthatwouldimprovetheirdozingandrippingperformance.Webelievewe’vemadeadramaticimprovementwiththeD155AX-7.”n
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I
In2003,whenKomatsuintroduceditsKMAXtoothsystem,itwaslimitedtosixtoothstylesstrictlyforexcavators.Today,thosenumbershaveexpandedtomorethan20ground-engagingtoolsforbothexcavatorsandwheelloaders—PC120toPC800andWA150toWA800—thathandleawiderangeofapplications.
“There’sarightfitforvirtuallyanyonewhodoesexcavationorsimilartypesofwork,whethertheyneedteethfordigginginclayorrock,ortheyneedsomethingwithgoodpenetrationintoapile,suchasquarrywork,”saidGaryJones,GeneralManagerProductSupport&MarketingforHensleyIndustries,aKomatsucompanythatproducestheKMAXtoothsystem.“Thenumberofstyleswehaveisadirectresultoflisteningtoourcustomers’needsandcost-effectivelycraftingteeththatmeetthoseneeds.”
TheKMAXtoothsystem,whichnowcomesonKomatsubuckets,iscost-effectiveforseveralreasons,saidJones.Chiefamongthemisdurability,whichisachievedthroughsuperiorheattreatmentthathardensKMAXteethtothecore,asopposedtosometeeththathavehardexteriorsbutaresoftontheinside.
“Thatgivesourteethalongerlife,allowinguseto60percentofwearasopposedtotheusual40percentbeforereplacement,”saidMarketingManagerBrentDennis.“Heattreatmenttothecoreisonepartoftheequation.AnotherisourstreamlineddesignthatallowsKMAXteethtoofferbetterpenetrationofthematerialwhilestayingsharperlonger.Thatmeansaddedefficiencyanddurabilityforlowerowningandoperatingcosts.”
ENGAGING EXCAVATION Komatsu’sKMAXtoothsystemofferscost-effective
solutioninalargerangeofapplications
Fast, easy, safe
Whenteethneedtobechanged,theprocessisfast,easyandsafe.Userssimplyneedasocketwrenchtounlockthereusable,non-load-bearingfastenerinordertoremovethetoothfromtheadapteronthebucket.Afterplacingthenewtoothon,it’seasytotightenitbackdown.Inmostcases,theprocesstakeslessthanaminute.
“Webelieveit’sthebestsystemonthemarketbecausetherearenopinstobehammeredout,”saidJones.“Ourteetharedesignedsothatifusersseeunevenwear,theycanfliptheteeth.”
“WhileKMAXteetharefirst-fitonKomatsumachinery,theKMAXsystemcanadaptforuseonotherbrands,”Dennispointedout.“Ifyouadditallup—durability,betterpenetrationofmaterial,speedoftoothchanges,safety—we’reconvincedtheKMAXsystemoffersthebesttoothvalueintheindustry.”n
POINTS OF INTEREST
Komatsu’s KMAX tooth system offers durability in more than 20
tooth styles for a wide range of excavators and wheel loaders. It’s
easy and safe because the system requires only a socket wrench — no
pins to hammer — to remove and replace teeth from the adaptors.
Gary Jones, GM Product Support
& Marketing, Hensley Industries
Brent Dennis, Marketing Mgr.,
Hensley Industries
onlinevideo
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NEW!
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proven
If you want to move more material more cost-effectively, you
want Komatsu machines. Our complete line of rugged, reliable mining
equipment—including trucks, shovels and wheel loaders—is engineered
to:
• LOwer cOsts per tOn • reduce cycLe tImes • prOvIde the LOngest
LIfe
we also offer exclusive customer support programs and services
tailored to your specific needs. when your success is measured by
the ton, Komatsu delivers the productivity you need. Komatsu is the
proven solution.
100%
100% Komatsu. 866.513.5778 www.komatsuamerica.comKA13
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QQUESTION: There have been a few sparks in construction, but
overall activity remains low. How’s mining?ANSWER: Mining has been
strong for quite a while now. We are producing more than four or
five times the number of trucks we did just 10 years ago. It’s
probably more than many of us here at Peoria Manufacturing
Operations (PMO) thought was even possible back in 2002. Mining
continues to be very strong globally, so there’s a great demand for
the five Komatsu mining trucks we manufacture.
QUESTION: How are you meeting demand?
ANSWER: Taking into account several factors, such as historical
trends, current mining and what we see down the road, we update our
forecast frequently. More recently, our firm-order backlog is very
strong and we are able to see the future more clearly. We’re basing
our production on what we believe the long-term trends will be.
Again, we expect mining to remain strong, so we’re being
proactive.
Most of our operations are running around the clock to ensure we
meet our production goals and the demand for our mining trucks,
which is globally very high. Because demand is so high, we added a
second assembly line and further refined our processes to make them
even more efficient. That’s allowed us to double the number of
trucks produced a day, and we’re working to further increase
that.
QUESTION: Why are Komatsu mining trucks in such demand?
ANSWER: Komatsu trucks have always been at the top of the class
in terms of per-ton costs because they’re not only efficient, but
reliable and have a long life cycle. A big reason why is because
the trucks are electric-drive as opposed
FORECASTING THE FUTURE GM says PMO continues to expand
production to meet present, future global mining demand
KOMATSU & YOU
Continued . . .
Jim Mathis has returned to his roots. Mathis is a General
Manager of Manufacturing at Komatsu’s Peoria Manufacturing
Operation (PMO), where he has spent most of his career with
Komatsu.
Mathis started at PMO in 1984 as Production Scheduler and moved
his way up to Superintendent of Component Manufacturing. In 2008,
he was promoted to Director of Manufacturing Administration, which
meant a move to Komatsu America’s headquarters in Rolling Meadows,
Ill.
“I’ve spent my entire adult life with Komatsu,” Mathis said.
“I’m very happy to be returning to Peoria and getting the chance to
work with many of the same people I worked with during the 20 years
I was here before. I can’t say enough good things about the people
who work here. Their hard work, dedication and commitment have
helped PMO expand its production capacity greatly.”
Mathis, along with another general manager, oversees a staff of
more than 600 salaried and hourly workers at PMO, where five models
of electric-drive, mining haul trucks are produced. He’s
responsible first and foremost for safety, then quality, followed
by production, delivery and profit and loss.
“It’s a challenge, but one that I enjoy,” said Mathis. “I’ve
seen many changes through the years that have made our equipment
better, both in production and reliability. There’s nothing more
satisfying than knowing we’re building a truck that’s going to help
a customer be more profitable.”
Mathis completed an MBA at Peoria’s Bradley University a few
years ago, while working at PMO. Jim and his wife, Suzanne, have
five children, the youngest of which started her freshman year of
college this fall.
This is one of a series of articles based on interviews with
key
people at Komatsu discussing the company’s commitment to its
customers in the construction and mining industries — and
their
visions for the future.
Jim Mathis, General Manager of Manufacturing, Komatsu Peoria
Manufacturing Operation (PMO)
-
to mechanical. It’s been proven that our trucks work longer with
less downtime. That makes a huge difference to a mine that’s
running 24 hours a day. Our customers tell us that.
Of course, many other features have been a direct result of our
working with customers and listening to their needs to incorporate
those into our trucks. Based on their recommendations, we’ve
integrated convenience features, such as ramp-style staircases to
the driver’s cab rather than a ladder hanging on the side.
QUESTION: Komatsu has built its reputation for mining trucks
based on the foundation of reliability. What does the factory do to
ensure each truck reinforces this reputation?
ANSWER: It’s important to recognize that product quality begins
with unrivaled design, followed by rigorous testing and
confirmation. Only then can manufacturing truly excel at producing
high-quality products and deliver reliability to our customers. We
make countless quality checks and confirmations every day on every
truck throughout the production process. This also includes the
critical role our suppliers play in supporting us. It’s not
something special or unique. It’s what we do every day with every
process.
QUESTION: What does the future hold beyond Tier 4?
ANSWER: In some sense, Komatsu is already there and has been for
quite some time. We’ve been developing, producing and testing
autonomous haul trucks — trucks that run without a driver — for
several years. They are already being used in active mines. That’s
a huge technological advantage for the customer because it keeps
costs down, and for us because it puts us at the forefront of the
mining equipment industry.
We’ve always been strong in technology, especially in tracking
machine usage, function, production and maintenance with our
KOMTRAX PLUS system. It allows both us and the customer to see how
a truck is being used so we can build future machines based off
that information and customer recommendations. We never stop trying
to improve. n
Komatsu — at the forefront of technology. . continued
Some of the world’s largest mining trucks, including
electric-drive 830Es are assembled at PMO. “It’s been proven that
our trucks work longer with less downtime. That makes a huge
difference to a mine that’s running 24 hours a day,” said Jim
Mathis, General Manager of Manufacturing at PMO.
Komatsu’s Peoria Manufacturing
Operation works around the clock to ensure timely
assembly and delivery of five sizes
of mining trucks.
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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS1001 S. 7th Street Trafficway(913)
371-3822FAX: (913) 371-3870
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA4949 Juergen Rd.(308) 384-2620FAX: (308)
384-0686
OMAHA, NEBRASKA4115 S. 90th St.(402) 331-9200FAX: (402)
339-6620
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA5601 Fletcher Ave.(402) 325-0447FAX: (402)
325-0753Visit us on our Web site @ roadbuildersmachinery.com
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI1480 S. State Hwy. T(417) 732-5505FAX:
(417) 735-0026
-
K
TAKING A TEST DRIVE Demo Days provides opportunity for equipment
users to try out new Komatsu machines
Komatsu interim Tier 4 machines headlined the most recent Demo
Days event at the Komatsu Training and Demonstration Center in
Cartersville, Ga.
“There’s always some concern on the part of equipment users when
new models are introduced with new technology in them,” said Bob
Post, Komatsu Director of Marketing and Sales Training. “That
concern may even be greater when the change is mandated by the
government, as is the case with Tier 4 (to meet new emissions
requirements).
“The fact is, at Komatsu, we’ve made our Tier 4 machines
better,” he noted. “In addition to being cleaner emission-wise,
they’re also more productive and more fuel-efficient. And contrary
to what many believe, there’s not that much more maintenance
involved. Demo Days is the perfect opportunity to introduce
equipment users to our interim Tier 4 units as well as all our
other latest machine models.”
At the Fall Demo Days event, Komatsu had dozers ranging from the
D39-22 up to the D275. Several of the dozers were equipped with 3D
machine-control systems for operators to try out. Excavators at the
show included the world’s only true hybrid hydraulic excavator
(HB215LC-1) and several new interim Tier 4 models including the
PC360LC-10 and PC390LC-10, as well as the PC1250LC-8. Other new
machines featured were the WA380-7 wheel loader and D65-17 crawler
dozer.
“We welcome all opportunities to get equipment users inside our
new machines,” said Post. “Once they test our equipment in a
real-world environment like Demo Days, they can see for themselves
the Komatsu difference.” n
A CLOSER LOOK
Among the machines at Demo Days was the Komatsu HB215LC-1,
the world’s first and only hybrid excavator.
Operators could experiment with
several dozers at Demo Days, including this
low-ground-pressure D39PX-22,
equipped with a 3D machine-control system.
Equipment users tried out many Komatsu machines, including the
popular WA500-6.
-
E Equipment monitoring systems, such as Komatsu’s KOMTRAX,
provide valuable information on machine functions, including hours,
fuel consumption, machine location, trouble warnings and more. All
items are important, but there’s one function that’s often
overlooked, and Komatsu’s Goran Zeravica and Rizwan Mirza are on a
mission to let users know that it may be the most important one of
all.
“Owners and operators don’t seem to take idle time into account
as much as they should,” emphasized Zeravica, Distributor
Operations Development Manager, ICT-Construction Business Division.
“It has a huge impact on owning and operating costs, in many cases
driving up those costs well beyond what they should be.”
Studies show that a rather large percentage of a machine’s
working hours are spent idling rather than actually working.
According to Mirza and Zeravica, the industry average is about 37
percent of time idling. “If that’s the average, it means there are
machines out there idling well above that, sometimes in the range
of 50 percent or more,” said Mirza, Manager, KOMTRAX,
ICT-Construction Business Division. “In nearly every case, it would
be better to shut the machine down when it’s not in production and
reduce the idle time.”
Idle time adversely affects machines in several ways. “The most
obvious is the amount of wasted fuel,” Zeravica noted. “But
something else to think about is the number of unnecessary hours
being put on that machine. That drives up owning and operating
costs, too.”
“Letting a machine idle means reaching service intervals sooner,
thereby raising owning and operating costs even more,” added Mirza.
“Tier 4 machines will increase the need to eliminate idling
END EXCESSIVE IDLING Komatsu personnel explain how
non-productive hours negatively affect your machinery
because the Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) must be
cleaned/serviced at 4,500-hour intervals, according to Komatsu’s
recommended specifications. In addition, idling for extended
periods prevents the KDPF’s passive regeneration system from
meeting optimal temperatures for maintaining cleanliness. The
result could be additional active regenerations consuming more fuel
or additional KDPF cleanings at less than 4,500 hours.”
Warranty affected Piling up the hours idling also hurts your
bottom line from a warranty standpoint. Idle hours count against
the warranty clock just as productive hours do. If you’re idling,
you’ll reach the end of the extended warranty period sooner.
“That’s something that hardly ever crosses most users’ minds,
and it should be at the forefront of their thinking,” Zeravica
pointed out. “One other area most don’t consider is resale value.
If you have a five-year-old machine to sell or trade with 10,000
hours as opposed to 5,000 or 6,000, you’re obviously going to get
less for it. Bottom line, machine owners and operators need to take
a proactive approach to idling. If the machine isn’t producing,
shut it down.” n
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT
Letting a machine idle can cost you in many ways, including
everything from wasted fuel to resale value.
Rizwan Mirza, Manager,
KOMTRAX, ICT-Construction Business Division
Goran Zeravica, Distributor Operations Development Manager,
ICT-Construction Business Division
-
K Komatsu has announced an innovative program designed to help
end users lower their cost of equipment ownership and increase
their profitability. It’s called Komatsu CARE and is included with
all Komatsu interim Tier 4 machines. Key features of Komatsu CARE
are:
KOMATSU CARE Innovative program provides complimentary
maintenance for Komatsu Tier 4 machines
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 2,000
hours (whichever comes first);
• Maintenance performed by a trained Komatsu distributor
technician;
• Komatsu genuine parts and fluids are used for each scheduled
maintenance interval.
“Komatsu CARE significantly reduces the overall cost of
ownership of a Komatsu machine by covering the cost of maintenance
for the first three years or 2,000 hours,” said Jake Tiongco,
Senior Product Manager, Parts Division. “One of the main goals of
Komatsu CARE is to assist in the overall profitability of the end
user. Lower owning and operating costs will lead to more
competitive quotes on jobs for our customers. In addition, proper
maintenance of the machine with Komatsu genuine parts and
factory-certified, trained technicians will increase the longevity
and reliability of the Komatsu machine throughout its life.”
Different — and better Through the years, Komatsu has been a
leader in designing machines and developing innovative parts and
service programs that directly benefit equipment users. Examples
include being the first equipment manufacturer to install a
wireless machine-monitoring system as standard equipment with free
communication (KOMTRAX), and coming out with the first hybrid
construction machine (currently in its second generation as the
HB215LC-1). And now, Komatsu CARE. n
INDUSTRY FIRSTS
The innovative, new Komatsu CARE program provides Tier 4
machine
owners with three-year/2,000-hour, complimentary
maintenance.
Jake Tiongco,Senior Product Manager, Parts
Division
-
NEWS & NOTES
Study: More than 1 in 10 bridges need repair or replacement
The study also highlighted the shortfall in federal funding for
bridge repairs. The American Society of Civil Engineers said the
U.S. needs to invest $17 billion annually to improve current
conditions. Figures in the report show the country only spends
$10.5 billion. Many states are unable to take on their share of the
costs due to budget cuts and crises. n
E Eleven percent of the nation’s bridges need repair or
replacement, according to a Transportation for America study. The
report cited 69,000 bridges in disrepair nationwide. “For bridges,
lack of maintenance can lead to the sudden closure of a critical
transportation link or, far worse, a collapse that results in lost
lives,” the report said.
Kansas City, KS(913) 371-3822
Grand Island, NE(308) 384-2620
Omaha, NE(402) 331-9200
Lincoln, NE(402) 325-0447
Springfield, MO(417) 732-5505
ROADBUILDERS MACHINERY & SUPPLY CO., INC.
-
A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMERINDUSTRY NEWS
LOST REVENUE Analysis shows proposed fuel-efficiency standards
would reduce highway funding
P Proposed new fuel-efficiency and emissions standards for
everything from cars to light- and heavy-duty trucks could have a
detrimental effect on transportation funding, according to an
American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
analysis. It predicts that revenues through 2025 could fall by a
total of more than $75 billion for state, federal and local
highway, bridge and transit improvements.
ARTBA says the new standards, announced in late July, would be
the equivalent of eliminating all federal highway funding for
nearly two years. One proposal calls for an increase to an average
of 54.5 miles per gallon for new cars and light trucks between 2017
and 2025.
ARTBA’s analysis assumes the mpg requirement will be phased in
at 5 percent per year during that time frame. That is on top of a
current increase in fuel standards that was announced last year,
which increases the average mpg increase from 28.3 to 34.1 by
2016. ARTBA Vice President of Economics and Research Dr. William
Buechner estimates that would cost the Highway Trust Fund about $9
billion, with another $65 billion or more lost by the latest
proposed standards.
The Highway Trust Fund’s primary revenue source is federal gas
and diesel taxes collected from motorists filling up their
vehicles. Therefore, lower motor-fuel sales mean less money in the
coffers.
New standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, developed by
the Department of Transportation and the EPA with input from the
trucking industry, environmental groups and state governments, are
slated to go into effect between 2014 and 2018. Most
tractor-trailers will be required to reduce fuel consumption and
emissions by up to 20 percent by model year 2018. Heavy-duty
pickups require about a 15-percent reduction.
The projection is that these new standards will reduce oil
consumption by 530 million barrels of oil, cut carbon emissions by
about 270 million metric tons and save an estimated $50 billion in
fuel costs.
“Like everyone else, we are supportive of efforts to reduce
carbon emissions and improve fuel economy,” said ARTBA President
Pete Ruane. “However, from a public-policy perspective, this is a
classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is
doing. It’s irresponsible to advance such proposals without
acknowledging and attempting to mitigate the adverse effect they
would have on the areas of federal responsibility, like making
infrastructure improvements that improve safety, reduce traffic
congestion, create jobs and help grow the economy.” n
Proposed new fuel-efficiency standards could cost billions in
lost revenue that goes toward highway and other transportation
funding, according to industry groups.
-
A SALUTE TO A CUSTOMERMORE INDUSTRY NEWS
Group highlights condition of rural roads
T The national transportation research group TRIP recently
released a report that details the conditions of rural America’s
transportation infrastructure and its impact on the country, saying
12 percent of the nation’s rural roads were in poor condition,
while 43 percent were in fair condition.
It also found 13 percent of the nation’s rural bridges were
structurally deficient, meaning there is significant deterioration
of the bridge
deck, supports or other major components. Ten percent rated
functionally obsolete, no longer meeting current highway design
standards.
Nearly 60 percent of auto fatalities occur on rural roads, and
the report cited opportunities to improve safety, such as
installing wider shoulders and rumble strips. Other infrastructure
needs were also highlighted. The full report is available at
www.tripnet.org. n
AGC lauds EPA’s decision to back off on new stormwater ruleChief
Executive Officer Stephen Sandherr. “Indeed, contractors are
already required to take significant measures to ensure that dirt —
clean, uncontaminated dirt — does not escape from project sites.
Setting a specific limit on how much dirt should be in rainwater
will only force contractors to spend billions more on new
dirt-busting measures that may not work; expose firms to costly
lawsuits from outside groups; and put them at risk of receiving
tens of thousands in daily fines.” n
T The Associated General Contractors applauded the EPA’s
decision to temporarily withdraw limits on the amount of dirt it
will allow in stormwater from construction sites. At the same time,
the organization is pushing for the EPA to not impose the measure
altogether.
“The fact that the EPA recognizes the serious flaws in the data
supporting its efforts to impose a rigid, one-size-fits-all limit
on the amount of dirt in rainwater leaving construction sites is
encouraging,” said AGC
MINExpo less than a year away
M MINExpo, the world’s largest and most comprehensive show
dedicated to mining is set for fall of next year. MINExpo
International 2012 will be held September 24-26, 2012, at the Las
Vegas Convention Center. Registration for the event opens in
January.
MINExpo takes place once every four years and features
companies, products and services related to the mining industry.
Nearly 40,000 people from more than 100 countries are expected to
attend the show, which has exhibits in 11 halls in three buildings,
along with outdoor space. n
Workplaces where at least 20 percent of the work force is not
proficient in English, must also post a version in both English and
a foreign language. The Board has said it will provide foreign
language translations if a business requests. The website is
www.nlrb.gov/poster. n
A A new poster notifying employees of their rights under the
National Labor Relations Act is available on the National Labor
Relations Board’s Web site and at its regional offices. Currently
only available in English, nearly all private employers are
required to post it.
Required NLRB poster now available online
-
Visit us on our Web site at www.roadbuildersmachinery.com
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS1001 S. 7th Street Trafficway(913)
371-3822FAX: (913) 371-3870
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA4949 Juergen Rd.(308) 384-2620FAX: (308)
384-0686
OMAHA, NEBRASKA4115 S. 90th St.(402) 331-9200FAX: (402)
339-6620
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA5601 Fletcher Avenue(402) 325-0447FAX: (402)
325-0753
SPRINGFIELD, MISOURI1480 S. State Hwy T(417) 732-5505FAX: (417)
735-0026
-
Contact David Mehrtens at (913) 371-3822
Pantone 072 blue
USED EQUIPMENTSPECIALS
USED EQUIPMENTSPECIALS
KANSAS CITY, KS1001 S. 7th Street Trafficway(913) 371-3822FAX:
(913) 371-3870
GRAND ISLAND, NE4949 Juergen Rd.(308) 384-2620FAX: (308)
384-0686
OMAHA, NE4115 S. 90th St.(402) 331-9200FAX: (402) 339-6620
LINCOLN, NE5601 Fletcher Ave.(402) 325-0447FAX: (402)
325-0753
Inventory changes weekly. Prices subject to change without
notice.
www.rbused.com
2007 Komatsu PC300LC-7EO, equipment no. 81158, cab, A/C, 10'
arm, 31.5" tracks, aux. hyd., 3,650 hrs ...$169,500
2007 Komatsu CK30-1, equipment no. 81178, OROPS, counterweights,
bucket/forks, 950 hrs ..................$31,500
2007 Komatsu WA250-5, equipment no. 81539, cab, A/C, QC/3-yd.
bucket, 3rd valve, 3,900 hrs ................$109,500
2006 Komatsu D65PX-15, equipment no. 81539, cab, A/C, 36" shoes,
190 hp, 3,200 hrs .................................$169,500
SPRINGFIELD, MO1480 S. State Hwy. T(417) 732-5505FAX: (417)
735-0026
-
Nebraska & Southwest Iowa Sales Team
C.P.I.P.O. Box 1689C.R., IA 52406-1689
Change Service Requested
Call us today.
MARYSVILLE, KANSASA N D O L L CZ trailers
Presorted StandardUS Postage Paid
C.P.I.
www.roadbuildersmachinery.com
KANSAS CITY, KS • 1001 S. 7th Street Trafficway (913)
371-3822GRAND ISLAND, NE • 4949 Juergen Rd. (308) 384-2620
OMAHA, NE • 4115 S. 90th St. (402) 331-9200LINCOLN, NE • 5601
Fletcher Ave. (402) 325-0447
Pantone 072 blue
®
Kansas & Missouri Sales Team
RoadBuilders proudly represents these lines*:
11-2
Randy HeldSpecialty Products
Manager
Joel JohnsonAggregate
Sales Manager
Jason Miller,Utility SalesSpecialist
Tony Randone,District Sales
Manager
Dru Davidson,District Sales
Manager
Dave Meyerring,District Sales
Manager
Gary Kratky,District Sales
Manager
Warren Kutz,District Sales
Manager
Jay Young,District Sales
Manager
Bob Fischer,District Sales
Manager
Randy Frank,District Sales
Manager
Buddy Guinn,District Sales
Manager
Steve Brock,District Sales
Manager
Tom Fouraker,District Sales
Manager
Jeff Smith,District Sales
Manager
SPRINGFIELD, MO • 1480 S. State Hwy. T (417) 732-5505
*Not all manufacturers represented in all areas.
I N T E R N A T I O N A LI N T E R N A T I O N A L
I N T E R N A T I O N A LI N T E R N A T I O N A L
Jerry FreitagDistrict Sales
Manager(Midwest Eq.)
Jason Baer,District Sales
Manager(Midwest Eq.)